SALEM – Today the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has opened the next competition for $9.5 million in funds for 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) grants. This program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The program helps students meet state and local standards in core academic subjects such as reading and math, provides students with a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs, and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.

Eligible entities include, but are not limited to, school districts, education service districts, community colleges, faith-based and community organizations, charter schools and city and county agencies. Schools and community organizations are encouraged to apply as partners.

The 21st CCLC application has been revised since previous competitions, so applicants should be sure to download the new 2013 grant application. Completed grant applications must be received at ODE by 5:00 PM on Tuesday June 4, 2013. Successful proposals will be funded as of July 1, 2013. All awards are pending receipt of federal funds.

To help partnerships develop high quality applications, ODE will offer technical assistance sessions on Friday, May 3, 2013 at ODE. Repeat sessions will be held from 8:30-11:30 AM, and 1:00-4:00 PM. Click here to register for this technical assistance meeting. Please complete registration by 12 pm on Thursday, May 2, as seating for each session time is limited.

For those unable to attend the meeting on May 3, a technical assistance webinar will be held on Monday, May 6, 2013 from 9-10:30 am. Webinar access information is available here.

For more information about 21st CCLC programs, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s 21st CCLC website: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/21stcclc/index.html. This site provides links to a variety of useful resources for program implementation and planning.